Last week we were holding some interviews in our academy after which some questions kept lurking in my mind for sometime because of the discrepancy between the qualification and the performance in the interview sessions by the interviewees The degrees and certificates of the candidates were of the highest order but their confidence level, the answering technique both were of questionable repute.
This particular experience has prompted me to write an article to give an insight into the objective and technique of an interview.
First of all I would like to stress upon the objective of the interview. It is actually a process in which intellectual qualities, personal/social traits, behavioral pattern, mental caliber, personal suitability to the job and reactions to un-common situations are tested.
It is not as intimidating and sinister experience which otherwise people like to believe. In fact, it is a natural, purposeful and spontaneous cross-examination by means of healthy conversation in which both verbal and non-verbal responses are scrutinized.
In verbal response the things observed are:-
- Manner of speaking
- Accent
- The way of putting across the answer
- The contents of the speech
And in non-verbal the things which are looked on are:-
- The attire
- Gesture
- Body movement
- Overall body language
These responses are properly observed, taken note of and assessed against or for the job.
The questions put up by the interviewer can be on anything but they would definitely revolve around:-
- One-self
- One’s family background
- One’s accomplishments(academic/non-academic)
- Likes/dislikes
- Field of work
- Contribution to the present organization
- Role models
- Future plans
The questions based on these mainly are asked to test the knowledge on the subject, the general awareness, personal traits, to verify the resume and to test the suitability of the candidate for the job.
In this write-up I have tried to put light on the pattern, objective of the interview. I would continue in the following article on the tips of getting ready and finally facing the interview in order to come out victorious. I also insist to please send questions on this topic which would be answered in the forthcoming column.
